Celebrating National Volunteer Week: Honouring the heart of charities across Australia

Across Australia, it is estimated that over 5 million (5.025 million) people volunteered through an organisation or group in 2020[1].  

Every year, National Volunteer Week offers us a precious opportunity to celebrate and recognise the remarkable contributions of volunteers across Australia. This dedicated week, running from 20-26 May, shines a spotlight on the selfless individuals who donate their time, skills, and compassion to make a positive impact on society. As we honour these everyday heroes, it’s essential to highlight the invaluable role they play, particularly within charities such as Friends for Good. 

The essence of volunteering

Volunteering is more than just an act of kindness; it is the foundation upon which many charitable organisations are built. Volunteers bring a unique blend of passion, energy, and dedication that is often unmatched. Their contributions are multifaceted, ranging from providing direct services to those in need, supporting operational tasks, to raising awareness and advocating for change. The true essence of volunteering lies in the willingness to give without expecting anything in return, creating a ripple effect of goodwill and community spirit. 

And charities like Friends for Good wouldn’t exist without them. 

The impact of our volunteers

At Friends for Good, we rely heavily on our volunteer base to make a meaningful impact through support of:

1. FriendLine phone service: One of the core services offered by Friends for Good is FriendLine, a phone service that provides a friendly ear and emotional support to those feeling lonely. Volunteers are the heart of this service, offering their time to listen and provide companionship to callers. We call so many members of the Australian community every week and wouldn’t be able to do so without the support of our hundreds of volunteers.
2. Events and activities: Volunteers help organise and run social events, workshops, and activities that bring people together. These events create opportunities for social interaction and community building, helping to alleviate loneliness and foster connections. Like Walk for Good, which provides community walks designed to bring people together, encourage new friendships, and promote a sense of belonging within communities. 
3. MateLine phone service: The latest service offered by Friends for Good, is our MateLine phone service, which supports veterans who may be struggling with social isolation. Through compassionate and confidential conversations, our dedicated volunteers help provide a sense of connection and belonging for all Australians who have served our country.

Meet our volunteers

The stories of volunteers at Friends for Good are both inspiring and heart-warming. Like Di, one of Friends for Good’s longest standing volunteers said that ‘I got into volunteering to be able to give back to the community when I retired.’ 

‘My favourite part is interacting with the callers, I feel I get a lot out of the calls by sharing too, maybe even as much as our callers. I feel quite special that our callers feel comfortable to share their stories with me.’ 

‘It’s important for volunteers – particularly in the space of mental health – to remember to reach out for support as what we hear can sometimes be quite personal. Our callers are not alone, and our volunteers aren’t either.’

Darcey, who has been volunteering with Friends for Good since 2021 said that: ‘Volunteering for Friends for Good gave me experience that relates to what I studied at university (psychology). I was given training to be able to support people through FriendLine. I get a feeling of reward knowing that I am making a connection with callers and helping them feel more connected to society and their community’.  

‘My favourite part of volunteering for Friends for Good is when you realise that spending 20minutes with someone on the phone can make them feel so much happier and how appreciative callers are for us just taking time speaking with and listening to them.’  

‘If you want to volunteer, you don’t have to get on the phone line. There are lots of opportunities across Friends for Good to support any area of interest.’

A big thank you

To all the volunteers, whether you're making calls on FriendLine or MateLine, organising events, advocating for change, or contributing in countless other ways, thank you. Your efforts are invaluable, and your compassion and commitment inspires us all. Also, a big thank you to the many volunteers across Australia who give their time and commitment to all Australian charities.  

If you’ve ever considered volunteering, there’s no better time to start than during National Volunteer Week. Organisations like Friends for Good are always in need of passionate and dedicated individuals ready to make a difference. Whether you have a few hours a week or can make a more significant commitment, your time and talents can have a profound impact to a worthwhile cause.

Click here to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and how you can get involved.